Page 72 of Sweet on Mr Darcy

“I am certain that she would.” Elizabeth grinned. “Shall we ask her if she would like to go today? That is…if my father and stepmother allow me out of the house. They have kept us understandably close these last few days.”

“Mrs Bennet, I wonder if you would give your permission for Elizabeth to accompany Georgiana and me to the confectioner today,” Darcy directed his question to Charlotte. “It would be good for the young ladies to resume their usual activities.”

“How kind,” Charlotte looked to Mr Bennet, who made no objection. “If she goes in your carriage, with you and your footmen, I believe it will be safe enough.”

“May Lydia and Kitty join us?” Georgiana begged. “I would like to treat them, if I may.”

“Of course, with Mrs Bennet’s permission.” Darcy tilted his head.

“I do not see why all of the ladies should not go.” The Viscount returned to the drawing room, followed by his brother. “My carriage returned this morning from London, and I am not without footmen. Anne and Priscilla may come with me, and Miss Jane and Miss Mary may accompany us, if they desire. Richard and I can escort the carriage on horseback.”

“Did you have any trouble with that Barry fellow?” Mr Bennet asked.

“Not at all.” The colonel grinned. “He and his sister left quite willingly.”

“I have no objection if Jane and Mary wish to go,” Charlotte said agreeably. “As Mr Darcy says, they have been too contained here, they should go out if they like.”

“I fear I cannot join you,” Anne objected, blushing. “I am expecting a caller of my own at Darcy Cottage. Prissy, do say you will remain behind with me.”

“Anne has a caller, eh? How interesting. Very well, it is you and Miss Mary, if you will join us, Miss Bennet.” The viscount grinned as his sister reassured her cousin that she had no objection to her request.

“Thank you, Lord Fitzwilliam, you are very kind.” Jane colored prettily. “That sounds very pleasant, does it not, Mary?”

“I shall leave you all to your pleasures while I return to Nethercourt and plot ways to make Rupert’s stay in Ramsgate more unpleasant,” Lady Barry announced. She gestured at the Viscount and his brother. “You two may call upon me tomorrow in the afternoon, and we shall plot together. You seem as if you enjoy an amusing diversion, and I believe you can be of assistance. Lizzy-girl, do not forget me on Friday. No walking out until that man leaves the neighbourhood.”

“I consider it a privilege to call upon you, Lady Barry.” Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed and offered his arm. “My father sent his regards when we left London. May I escort you to your carriage?”

“I shall call upon Darcy Cottage.” Mr Bennet stood and bid their visitors farewell. ‘I hear that my friend has decided that the crimes of his godson are his personal moral failure. I feel compelled to chide him out of self-loathing and back to good sense.”

Darcy Cottage was unusually quiet. Mr Bennet was in the study with Mr Darcy. With most of the household gone on what Ashley had elevated to a formal expedition to the confectioner’s, the house felt positively empty.

Anne de Bourgh sat nervously on a chair near the window, gloved hands folded neatly in her lap, her toe tapping impatiently upon the floor.

Her cousin Priscilla lounged on a sofa nearby with the air of someone preparing to be entertained.

Anne looked at the clock for perhaps the fiftieth time and resumed her tapping.

“You are making time move more slowly,” Priscilla complained.

“That is impossible, Prissy.” Anne looked away.

“It certainly is possible, when the clock is watched too attentively.”

“He said he would be here at one,” Anne complained.

Priscilla did not need to check the mantel clock to know the time. “It is only five minutes before, Cousin.”

“How bothersome.” Anne frowned.

“Indeed.” Priscilla smiled and looked away.

At precisely the appointed hour, the butler entered. “Mr Bingley.”

Mr Bingley entered with his usual good cheer, carrying the refreshing impression of someone who had never in his life approached anything without optimism.

He bowed. “Lady Priscilla. Miss de Bourgh.”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Bingley,” Anne greeted him, unable to conceal her pleasure at his appearance.